The Mets had the first player ever traded for himself--Harry Chiti--and now they have the first pitcher ever to strike himself out! Meet the Mets: ya gotta love it!
1
Eventually MLB was forced into draconian penalties for using banned substances. In the late 90's they looked the other way when Sammy Sosa and Mark Mc Guire pumped themselves up resulting in a contest as to who could hit the most home runs. This all worked out quite well as attendance and TV ratings again surged upwards reversing the long slump caused by the cancellation of the 1994 World Series. The sudden fame for these two new "sultans of swat" irritated Barry Bonds since he was not in on the scheme, so he took growth hormones to a totally new level resulting in 73 HR's in one season. Then MLB decided enough was enough resulting in poor Dominicans kids sitting on the sidelines, possibly forever.
1
These players - especially the ones that come from impoverished backgrounds - need life coaches as well as athletic coaches. Do the teams provide them? Why let the team off the hook, or the union for not demanding them?
3
The Mets had the first player ever traded for himself--Harry Chiti--and now they have the first pitcher ever to strike himself out! Meet the Mets: ya gotta love it!
1
Just another example of the hypocrisy of the owners, commissioners, and M.L.B. itself. It was they who encouraged steroids to produce home runs to keep TV happy to produce the money to fill the owners' pockets. When that no longer worked, they suddenly saw the light, got right with God, and happily threw their employees under the bus for doing what the bosses wanted and, perhaps, in some cases demanded.
Why is it entertainers in Hollywood can do whatever they want, and fans don't complain, yet somehow baseball entertainers are expected to be "above all that?" I wonder if Commenters who say steroid users have an unfair advantage have ever written a comment saying an actress should be banned because she slept with a producer to get a part.
As to the often cited "sanctity" of records, they're an entirely enjoyable farce, as speed, alcohol, the D.H., varying mound heights, Tommy John surgery, artificial turf, movable outfield walls, planes instead of trains, and dozens of other things make clear.
My ongoing fantasy to put this all in perspective: Barry Bonds gets up there at a news conference or the next committee hearing by a bunch of self-righteous, hypocritical Congressmen and say, "If it weren't for all those pitchers on steroids, I would have hit a hundred home runs."
Why is it entertainers in Hollywood can do whatever they want, and fans don't complain, yet somehow baseball entertainers are expected to be "above all that?" I wonder if Commenters who say steroid users have an unfair advantage have ever written a comment saying an actress should be banned because she slept with a producer to get a part.
As to the often cited "sanctity" of records, they're an entirely enjoyable farce, as speed, alcohol, the D.H., varying mound heights, Tommy John surgery, artificial turf, movable outfield walls, planes instead of trains, and dozens of other things make clear.
My ongoing fantasy to put this all in perspective: Barry Bonds gets up there at a news conference or the next committee hearing by a bunch of self-righteous, hypocritical Congressmen and say, "If it weren't for all those pitchers on steroids, I would have hit a hundred home runs."
1
The Mets had the first player ever traded for himself--Harry Chiti--and now they have the first pitcher ever to strike himself out! Meet the Mets: ya gotta love it!
1
So many people commenting here do not seem to get it.
For instance one individual says baseball has failed to invest in "decision making skills" for athletes.
What this individual fails to realize that the vast majority of athletes are able to handle the money and pressure of professional sports because they live by a simple creed - they acknowledge they are adults and take personal responsibility for their actions and do not make fatuous claims of victimhood when life goes astray.
The other sets of comments makes light of this lifetime ban.
To those people, try joking about this ban to the parents of a teen that either lost their health or life because that teen felt the pressure to take performance enhancing drugs in a misguided effort to be like their juiced up sports hero.
Instead, I am glad to see that baseball appears to be taking a firm stance on the scourge of performance enhancing drugs in their sport, because this something that is long overdue, not only in professional baseball, but all professional sports.
One hopes this
For instance one individual says baseball has failed to invest in "decision making skills" for athletes.
What this individual fails to realize that the vast majority of athletes are able to handle the money and pressure of professional sports because they live by a simple creed - they acknowledge they are adults and take personal responsibility for their actions and do not make fatuous claims of victimhood when life goes astray.
The other sets of comments makes light of this lifetime ban.
To those people, try joking about this ban to the parents of a teen that either lost their health or life because that teen felt the pressure to take performance enhancing drugs in a misguided effort to be like their juiced up sports hero.
Instead, I am glad to see that baseball appears to be taking a firm stance on the scourge of performance enhancing drugs in their sport, because this something that is long overdue, not only in professional baseball, but all professional sports.
One hopes this
2
In how many languages can one say the word "knucklehead"? For this guy there clearly ain't enough!
1
It's easy to say Mejia has no one but himself to blame but given the inordinate pressures on professional athletes, I am not surprised that some players collapse under that pressure.
4
Testing for steroids isn't as easy as some think...there are certain synthetic steroids that will remain in your system for as long as 3 years after stopping...they all know this...he could very well have stopped after the first positive test...he himself said he has no idea how he tested positive this time...it seems pretty stupid on anyone's part to continue taking illegal PEDS after failing twice already.
A lifetime ban means two years? No wonder professional athletes take these drug bans so seriously!
3
Donald Sterling was permanently banned from the NBA for the heinous crime of being overheard saying stupid things to his girlfriend on his cellphone. That's the type of crime that deserves punishment to the greatest extent possible, providing you are a rich Jewish businessman who owns a team that employs many black players. This business with Mejia is trivial.
3
Very sad. A young man from a poor background who could not cope with the pressures of being a responsible adult. He let his teammates down, he let his family down and most of all, he let himself down. I wonder why his agent did not give him better advice after the first two times. Young, impressionable and immature men like Mejia need better advice and counsel from MLB. Everyone failed on this tragic story.
2
The only question i have is whether any of this steroid use was for the inflammation that is common to the stress on the body that comes from pitching? If so, is baseball denying players a medically acceptable treatment simply because it has secondary effects such as rapid muscle build up? If it's medically prescribed and doses are supervised by a doctor, why treat the player differently from any other person who may take steroids as proper medical treatment?
1
Aptly or ironically, this player was a Met, and I have to believe Ponzi schemes are worse for baseball than steroids. Where is the system to disenfranchise owners?
1
I certainly agree that MLB and other sports leagues have an imperative and an obligation to educate players on the impact of using illegal substances on their bodies and their careers. In Mejia's case I can't know what programs and support he was offered. BUT, if the lure of making ten of millions of dollars playing a GAME he presumably loves is not enough to convince him to follow the rules, I'm not sure anything will. The loss to him and his family is sad, but hardly tragic. He had his opportunities and he made his choices.
There shouldn't be lifetime bans, and I get every argument that can be made about sportsmanship and the integrity of game.
Perhaps it's because he was not a part of the 40-man roster and, therefore, not subject to the frequent testing why he hadn't been caught before. Or perhaps he wasn't using until he became injured. Steroids help athletes recover from injuries more quickly than without them. He had a contract so he was paid while injured. But the team must fill the hole in the roster, and the longer a player is out the greater the likelihood the team's going to find its way without him. A difficult situation for a young, promising athlete.
Players like Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, and Rodriguez cheated the game for very different reasons. It's all still cheating, but motivations should be considered.
The game is entertainment for me, but it's the athlete's livelihood and without it many of them may not have much to fall back on. If I lost my professional license today, I can find/make a comparable career with relative ease. This is not the case for professional athletes, because the league that covets and grooms them values them most in their youth, which limits opportunities for them to develop and train in other areas.
The silver lining is he gets to apply for reinstatement after a year--but he's not Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, or Rodriguez. So good luck. At the end of the day, however, the MLB has yet to acknowledge the role it plays in this ongoing problem.
Perhaps it's because he was not a part of the 40-man roster and, therefore, not subject to the frequent testing why he hadn't been caught before. Or perhaps he wasn't using until he became injured. Steroids help athletes recover from injuries more quickly than without them. He had a contract so he was paid while injured. But the team must fill the hole in the roster, and the longer a player is out the greater the likelihood the team's going to find its way without him. A difficult situation for a young, promising athlete.
Players like Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, and Rodriguez cheated the game for very different reasons. It's all still cheating, but motivations should be considered.
The game is entertainment for me, but it's the athlete's livelihood and without it many of them may not have much to fall back on. If I lost my professional license today, I can find/make a comparable career with relative ease. This is not the case for professional athletes, because the league that covets and grooms them values them most in their youth, which limits opportunities for them to develop and train in other areas.
The silver lining is he gets to apply for reinstatement after a year--but he's not Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, or Rodriguez. So good luck. At the end of the day, however, the MLB has yet to acknowledge the role it plays in this ongoing problem.
1
He'll miss one season at most.
1
No team will touch this guy now.
Yes, we abhor when athletes cheat, but does anyone wonder if the darkness of his skin correlates with the severity of his punishment?
3
No, because the penalty was established beforehand and was negotiated with the players' association. It's the same for everyone.
1
America is in denial. We have an entire nation on drugs, prescription and illicit, everyone is on something. Most drugs are designed to improve health, steroids do that. Athletes take steroids to get stronger and to shorten injuries. Athletes get hurt a lot and their careers suffer with each injury.
Why is it acceptable for other Americans to do drugs (you for example) but not for athletes? Why can't an oft injured pitcher take steroids, with supervision, to reduce the duration and frequency of his sport induced injuries? Why is everyone else, from the corporate office to the janitor, allowed to take drugs but athletes cannot?
America is in denial. Isn't there a drug for that?
Why is it acceptable for other Americans to do drugs (you for example) but not for athletes? Why can't an oft injured pitcher take steroids, with supervision, to reduce the duration and frequency of his sport induced injuries? Why is everyone else, from the corporate office to the janitor, allowed to take drugs but athletes cannot?
America is in denial. Isn't there a drug for that?
2
Steroids have long-term negative health consequences. Without the bans, players would have to choose between athletic success and the rewards that come with it, and their physical well-being. It's bad enough that so many football players end up crippled and with brain damage later in life.
2
Baseball has to use its formidable influence to change the culture and the living standards in the Dominican Republic, where much fine talent comes from and where these drugs are available virtually on every street corner. Otherwise, this is a story that will repeat time and again.
3
The cruel thing is that baseball was on the ropes for nearly a decade with the public after the selfish strike of 1994-95, the firs time the World Series was not played since 1904. What brought the fans back? the glorious home run duel between McGuire and Sosa, the amazing batting prowess of Barry Bonds, the heroic pitching of Roger Clemens.
The billionaire owners turned a blind eye to the blatant doping because the players were saving the game. They brought me back for sure.
Now, the value of these teams have doubled, but the owners are patting each other on the back today because they destroyed the career of this dirt poor Dominican.
Sure, sure, I'm all for non-juiced athletes, but a life time ban, while the owners are richer than ever because of the decade of doping?
I feel kinda dirty for liking baseball so much today.
The billionaire owners turned a blind eye to the blatant doping because the players were saving the game. They brought me back for sure.
Now, the value of these teams have doubled, but the owners are patting each other on the back today because they destroyed the career of this dirt poor Dominican.
Sure, sure, I'm all for non-juiced athletes, but a life time ban, while the owners are richer than ever because of the decade of doping?
I feel kinda dirty for liking baseball so much today.
1
What about this ban us "permanent"? It is a 2 year suspension at which time re-admission will be considered. If the point of this is to diminish the use of drugs in baseball this decision does nothing to promote it.
2
Necessary. Enough already with the lies, cheating and pretending. Sports
entities need to shape up or ship out. Permanently. Our kids' "heros" are
turning into villains and freaks.
entities need to shape up or ship out. Permanently. Our kids' "heros" are
turning into villains and freaks.
2
Two words. Steve Howe. Major League baseball is the absolute worst. Bud Selig awaits the Hall of Fame when everyone in the world, with the exception of the clueless Bud Selig apparently, knew that steroids were being used. Like every other workplace the worker is the person who gets punished for the for the greed of management.
2
He should have been banned after the second confirmed failure. ONE pass/strike is a given. This is NOT a baseball game, boys and girls, it is real life. One strike is granted. Screw it up again and you are OUT. Period.
1
Poor Dominican kids are rumored to be frequent users of steroids in pursuit of their dream of making it to the major leagues. But by cheating, Mejia may well have gotten a leg up on another poor Dominican kid who played by the rules. He gets no sympathy from me.
1
Just another example of the hypocrisy of the owners, commissioners, and M.L.B. itself. It was they who encouraged steroids to produce home runs to keep TV happy to produce the money to fill the owners' pockets. When that no longer worked, they suddenly saw the light, got right with God, and happily threw their employees under the bus for doing what the bosses wanted and, perhaps, in some cases demanded.
Why is it entertainers in Hollywood can do whatever they want, and fans don't complain, yet somehow baseball entertainers are expected to be "above all that?" Unfair advantage? Anyone out there ever write a comment saying an actress should be banned because she slept with a producer to get a part? And as to the "sanctity" of records, they're an entirely enjoyable farce, as speed, alcohol, the D.H., varying mound heights, Tommy John surgery, artificial turf, movable outfield walls, planes instead of trains, and dozens of other things make clear.
All I want is for Barry Bonds to get up there at a news conference or next committee hearing by a bunch of sleazy, hypocritical Congressmen and say, "If it weren't for all those pitchers on steroids, I would have hit a hundred home runs."
Why is it entertainers in Hollywood can do whatever they want, and fans don't complain, yet somehow baseball entertainers are expected to be "above all that?" Unfair advantage? Anyone out there ever write a comment saying an actress should be banned because she slept with a producer to get a part? And as to the "sanctity" of records, they're an entirely enjoyable farce, as speed, alcohol, the D.H., varying mound heights, Tommy John surgery, artificial turf, movable outfield walls, planes instead of trains, and dozens of other things make clear.
All I want is for Barry Bonds to get up there at a news conference or next committee hearing by a bunch of sleazy, hypocritical Congressmen and say, "If it weren't for all those pitchers on steroids, I would have hit a hundred home runs."
1
"stick-to-itiveness"
I can see there have been changes to the times' style guide.
I can see there have been changes to the times' style guide.
1
This is a new take on the MLB version of "three strikes and you're out."
1
This is just the latest example of a professional athlete being unprepared to deal with the pressures, responsibilities and ridiculous money attendant to professional sports. Until all of the professional leagues make the investment needed to fully equip players with decision-making skills commensurate with the demands of their working conditions, these sad stories will continue.
24
"The demands of their working conditions" are not exactly onerous. High salary, short hours - not exactly a life of toil. Taking or not taking steroids is a simple matter of right and wrong. If a player can't make that distinction by the time he's 20 years old, it's not MLB's fault. He's an adult. It's on him and him alone.
2
You're joking right? "Until all of the professional leagues make the investment needed to fully equipped players with decision-making skills"? As if this was some really complex, nuanced issue for Mejia? Not to use steroids a third time after he was suspended for it twice? Major league baseball needs to "fully equip[] players" like him with "decision-making skills" so he can figure out the right choice in this situation? LOL!
3
We live in a society that forks over millions of dollars to people who have physical ability and, often, little else. They are exploited by colleges, minor leagues and then major leagues. Their bodies are similar to cannon fodder. Their education is limited, they need not contribute anything to society (oh, they're entertainers? They do it for us?). They are paid handsomely -- better than teachers and heart surgeons, better than soldiers and aid workers and nuclear physicists.
Everybody makes a deal: you are poor, you are uneducated, we will give you millions of dollars but when your body no longer can do what we want we will throw you on the scrap heap. The millions of kids who toss out education and their youth trying to make it but never get a buck? Who cares?
To expect this money-oriented circus to be concerned about the well-being of anyone at all is fantasy. To expect it of a society that treats 26-year-olds who can throw hard and run fast as the most valuable people on earth? Don't hold your breath.
Everybody makes a deal: you are poor, you are uneducated, we will give you millions of dollars but when your body no longer can do what we want we will throw you on the scrap heap. The millions of kids who toss out education and their youth trying to make it but never get a buck? Who cares?
To expect this money-oriented circus to be concerned about the well-being of anyone at all is fantasy. To expect it of a society that treats 26-year-olds who can throw hard and run fast as the most valuable people on earth? Don't hold your breath.
Legalize it. You can't stop players who want an edge. And those at the pinnacle of their chosen sport, all do. Mejia, and others like him that have been caught, are just the tip of the iceberg. We all know that. I mean, we play a guessing game every spring to try and figure out who's been 'juicing'.
Ban only those drugs which will without doubt, cause major physical and or mental damage to the athlete. If it shortens their lifespan by 10 years, so be it, let the athlete make that choice. It's as much a disease in sports as it is on the street. Instead of punishment, how about offering education and counseling to those who might be most at risk. I'm getting weary watching the likes of Bonds, McGwire, Armstrong and company being destroyed because they were unlucky enough to get caught. Many many more slide past that obstacle and all intelligent observers of sport know that all too well.
Ban only those drugs which will without doubt, cause major physical and or mental damage to the athlete. If it shortens their lifespan by 10 years, so be it, let the athlete make that choice. It's as much a disease in sports as it is on the street. Instead of punishment, how about offering education and counseling to those who might be most at risk. I'm getting weary watching the likes of Bonds, McGwire, Armstrong and company being destroyed because they were unlucky enough to get caught. Many many more slide past that obstacle and all intelligent observers of sport know that all too well.
3
"You can't stop players who want an edge."
Apparently you can stop it, as they have with Mejia.
"I'm getting weary watching the likes of Bonds, McGwire, Armstrong and company being destroyed because they were unlucky enough to get caught."
I bet that's exactly what Mejia was thinking. It's just so unfair, you know, to get caught for cheating.
Apparently you can stop it, as they have with Mejia.
"I'm getting weary watching the likes of Bonds, McGwire, Armstrong and company being destroyed because they were unlucky enough to get caught."
I bet that's exactly what Mejia was thinking. It's just so unfair, you know, to get caught for cheating.
2
"You can't stop players who want an edge."
Mejia is stopped.
Mejia is stopped.
4
"the likes of Bonds, McGwire, Armstrong and company" CHEATED. Also, please understand that pro athlete behavior is *modeled* by young athletes. DO you want your children shooting up 'roids in the high school locker room. Think hard on what you are supporting!
3
Mr. Mejia is from the Dominican Republic where I believe steroids are legal and sold over the counter, maybe that feeds into this unfortunate situation?
3
If only this penalty had been delivered to the likes of Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, and Roger Clemens - THEN I would have had my faith in baseball renewed. I still love the game, but will never forgive the connected blue-blood owners and MLB's commissioner for letting these guys off the hook.
Not one of them should make the Hall; they're no different than Pete Rose.
Not one of them should make the Hall; they're no different than Pete Rose.
24
Last I heard, no one has ever proved Bonds used PEDs. You can't penalize someone for suspicions, no matter how strong the suspicions. Oh wait ... I forgot about Deflategate!
1
Why would Bonds have been barred? He never failed even one test, much less three. You faith is misplaced.
1
Neither has anyone proven that Bonds did NOT take PEDS. Is the Bonds that played with the Pirates really the same Bonds who played with the Giants?
[[Five starts into the 2011 season, Mejia tore an elbow ligament pitching in a minor league game and needed Tommy John surgery. He did not pitch again in the majors until September 2012. His elbow problems lingered, both mentally and physically. His 2013 season ended prematurely when he had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow.]]
It sounds like he had poor physical conditioning and training to go along with a lack of ethical and financial training.
Maybe he can go back to the D.R. and make a few bucks in the professional league there.
It sounds like he had poor physical conditioning and training to go along with a lack of ethical and financial training.
Maybe he can go back to the D.R. and make a few bucks in the professional league there.
3
I'll bet his fastball wasn't as good.
1
He can spend the rest of his days throwing batting practice to Pete Rose.
4
"Mejia can appeal for reinstatement after one year, but the minimum length of the ban is two years."
Lifetime bans sure ain't what they used to be, are they? For the Mets, it's good riddance. For Mejia, who is a profoundly stupid man, pity is all that's left.
Lifetime bans sure ain't what they used to be, are they? For the Mets, it's good riddance. For Mejia, who is a profoundly stupid man, pity is all that's left.
11
Yeah, Pete, Shoeless Joe and Buck Weaver want to know how they can get in on this action. One year. Sure!
They should call it a two-year renewable ban.
1
What makes you think Commissioner Manfed will reinstate him after two years? There's nothing special about his background to excuse his behavior. The reinstatement application is a formality. A lot of people thought Pete Rose would be let back in the game, but even a legend got denied for reinstatement?
Not comparing his infraction to murder, but even Charles Manson gets parole hearings. He will make his case and his reinstatement will be denied. He will never pitch again. Even in Japan, as they honor our suspensions. I understand the cynicism, but after years of turning a blind eye to the problem, baseball really is taking PEDs seriously. Offensive stats have declined sharply and testing, not only for PEDs but amphetamines are a big part of that.
Not comparing his infraction to murder, but even Charles Manson gets parole hearings. He will make his case and his reinstatement will be denied. He will never pitch again. Even in Japan, as they honor our suspensions. I understand the cynicism, but after years of turning a blind eye to the problem, baseball really is taking PEDs seriously. Offensive stats have declined sharply and testing, not only for PEDs but amphetamines are a big part of that.
A very harsh penalty to end a budding baseball career. Still a young pitcher a two year suspension would have given him not only plenty of time to mentally and physically recuperate but snuff the bad habit .
1
Possibly. But this is per the collective bargaining agreement. With the union the most powerful and vindictive in sports (remember the time they wouldn't let non-union members on the team T shirt?) they agreed to this.
1
Sadly for this foolish young man, you are indeed out after 3 strikes. It has long been well known that PED use (and lying about your age to seem like a prodigy) is rampant in the Dominican Republic, as players desperately seek the only lucrative legal career available to them.
4
This is tragic. Drugs dominate sport. The best journalists know. Owners know. Athletes know.
George Steinbrenner sacked Billy Martin 5 times. Both had trouble with alcohol. They kept their jobs.
Mickey Mantle drank. Terrible example. He kept his job.
Big white stars at every position used. Not one lost his job.
The world lives in agony re addiction. Prisons are loaded.
Why?
George Steinbrenner sacked Billy Martin 5 times. Both had trouble with alcohol. They kept their jobs.
Mickey Mantle drank. Terrible example. He kept his job.
Big white stars at every position used. Not one lost his job.
The world lives in agony re addiction. Prisons are loaded.
Why?
4
Drinking is legal, drugs are not
Drinking didn't improve Mantle's playing, did it?
There but for the grace of God my friend. I try not to be judgemental if I haven't walked a mile in their shoes.
Damn shame...maybe he'll clean up and throw himself at the mercy of MLB for reinstatement.
I mean, look at Pete Rose. Ha!
I mean, look at Pete Rose. Ha!
1
'Bout time.
2
The epitome of
' three strikes and you're out! '
' three strikes and you're out! '
1
Besides stick-to-it-ness and poor judgment there is another even more likely answer. The drugs he used can be addicting.
He woudln't be the first person to lose a lucrative career because of addiction.
He woudln't be the first person to lose a lucrative career because of addiction.
1
Isn't it much easier to draw a line on a marginal journeyman player than a true star. The level of hypocrisy in MLB is harder to measure than the level of drug use by players. During the bang-bang era of home run strikers like Bonds, McGuire and Sosa MLB never noticed the frightening at which these stars gained muscle-mass. Later, after attendance counts hit record numbers and viewership increased and fan interest was revived, MLB suddenly gained a conscience. The integrity of self-policing drug policies in professional sport is a joke and few of true insight doubt that fact. The rewards are too great and the penalties too few for professional sports to prosecute drug policy with any diligence. Meija is just the most recent in a long line if sacrificial lambs who have been offered at at the altar of greater profits.
15
"The altar of greater profits?" What is this, 1935? These musty socialist-sounding sermons show up no matter what the issue at hand. Time to face facts that human beings work hard for recognition and reward in the form of money. It's not good or bad-it's life. The alternative is Maoism and we know how that turns out.
If he is truly talented he'll be reinstated under some kind of plea agreement.
2
"If he is truly LUCRATIVE he'll be reinstated under some kind of plea agreement."
There. Fixed it for you.
There. Fixed it for you.
1
Major League Baseball (MLB) has had no policy for penalizing players for domestic violence. Top players known for committing such violence have most often faced no consequences at all. Meanwhile, a poor kid from the slums of Santo Domingo who resorted to punishing his OWN body with Performance Enchancing Drugs in order to meet the grueling demands of MLB pitching gets a lifetime ban. How interesting.
13
What was he thinking when he went in for the third test?
1
Amazing how some players think they're smarter than the doctors.
2
Clearly, some players aren't thinking.
At least if you get caught, show that your "performance was enhanced", this guy was never very good !!
1
Good riddance.
1
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
1
I guess you can say he threw three strikes to himself.
1
I imagine he will go play in Japan, or if not, Mexico. I suspect while he'll no longer be in MLB, he will continue to have a livelihood.
1
Let's take a step back.
We are talking about professional athletes. These are people who make huge salaries, and are working short hours. They are famous celebrities, and can play for not a long career and earn huge salaries.
Can we just be honest, and let them take any performance-enhancing drugs they please, so long as they admit what they're doing to the public (and to the other players)?
It seems to me this problem would solve itself rather quickly.
We are talking about professional athletes. These are people who make huge salaries, and are working short hours. They are famous celebrities, and can play for not a long career and earn huge salaries.
Can we just be honest, and let them take any performance-enhancing drugs they please, so long as they admit what they're doing to the public (and to the other players)?
It seems to me this problem would solve itself rather quickly.
3
Has it ever been suggested PEDs might be addicting to some individuals?
Obviously, some athletes are lacking in certain kinds of intelligence. Hello, Pete Rose!
Obviously, some athletes are lacking in certain kinds of intelligence. Hello, Pete Rose!
Banned for life: is that the appropriate punishment for an obviously disturbed individual? This approach reminds me of the demonization of drug abusers that has led to the overcrowding of our prisons and jails. Mejia was obviously not trying to "gain an edge," as this article indicates. Unless one assumes that he is a complete moron, it is obvious from his behavior that he is asking to be caught and punished. So MLB has essentially said, 'You are a lost cause and will never be cured of the demons that ail you; get lost.' Kind of like 'lock 'em up and throw away the key.'
5
"Mejia was obviously not trying to "gain an edge," as this article indicates."
Of course he was trying to gain an edge. Do you think he took steroids just for kicks? And yes, he is a complete moron. Sometimes things really are that simple.
Of course he was trying to gain an edge. Do you think he took steroids just for kicks? And yes, he is a complete moron. Sometimes things really are that simple.
2
Tell me again why it took three infractions to throw this guy out of the game?
1
Is it possible the drug never fully left his system after the previous test?
3
Banned for life, heh!
Just like Steve Howe who was "banned for life"....FIVE TIMES (I think!)
If this guy is any good and he's good for baseball's bottom line, he'll be back!!
Just like Steve Howe who was "banned for life"....FIVE TIMES (I think!)
If this guy is any good and he's good for baseball's bottom line, he'll be back!!
4
Finally a reward for honest players. It is incredibly unfair that players who respect their fan base for the money they provide have to compete against cheaters who make the honest players statistics look bad and effectively reduce their income. They are stealing from their fans, teammates and all the other players and coaches who work in MLB. It's unbelievable that MLB effectively supported this method of cheating for so long. I'm glad they finally stood up for their hard working honest players and their families. I hope they show the rest of us the respect we deserve by keeping this cheat out of the game forever. People should not have to receive a penalty for being honest.
17
Three strikes and you're (almost) out.... "permanently" apparently does not mean forever in baseball, as he can ask for reinstatement after a year or two off.
2
Wow - it only took 30 years. What a joke.
2
Doesn't seem complicated to me. Use drugs, get kicked out. Why did this not happen on the 2nd time? Or even the 1st? Compromising the integrity of the sport - in any sport - should not merit a slap on the wrist.
1
Did I miss something? There seems to be a disconnect beween the headline "...permanently barred" and the final paragraph which states that he can appeal the suspension after one year.
1
This punishment is far too severe. Performance enhancing drugs have been being used for over 30 years in MLB and they will continue to be used. These substances are not magic drugs that suddenly confer super human powers on an althlete. The althlete still must work very hard and eat right etc.
If anything supplemental hormones enhance recovery time. MLB is going to watch the performance metrics drop all across the league and the game will be far less entertaining. MLB should loosen up and allow a certain threshold of supplementation. Why? Because this is entertainment for people and nothing more. It's a game...a pastime. The game is far more interesting when a player can pitch 100 mph or hit 50 home runs. The players are going to use the substances anyway and will do so until they are caught.
If anything supplemental hormones enhance recovery time. MLB is going to watch the performance metrics drop all across the league and the game will be far less entertaining. MLB should loosen up and allow a certain threshold of supplementation. Why? Because this is entertainment for people and nothing more. It's a game...a pastime. The game is far more interesting when a player can pitch 100 mph or hit 50 home runs. The players are going to use the substances anyway and will do so until they are caught.
2
Ah, what a letdown. He could have been something special for the Mets. Seriously though? 3 straight bans?
1
Let's go mets! At least we're first in something...
2
Enough is Enough, finally a cheater gets what he deserves.
1
A shame :(
1
It had to be done! Mejia knew the risks. He is not a child but a failed prospect who never lived up to expectations.
The New York Mets can move forward with players who want to play and win. When the Mets went to the World Series last year, Mejia was suspended and nowhere to be found.
M.L.B. did the right thing and make this flop an example that it never pays to cheat.
The New York Mets can move forward with players who want to play and win. When the Mets went to the World Series last year, Mejia was suspended and nowhere to be found.
M.L.B. did the right thing and make this flop an example that it never pays to cheat.
1
No offense to anyone, but knucklehead or meathead?
What a waste. Where was his agent, family and support group? I am sure the METS or MLB have such a program. Stupid just plain stupid.
Gee,
How many times did A-Fraud test positive for doping?
Four times
A-Fraud been doping all his life as baseball player.Why did he get off easy with just one year ban?
Can MLB now correct the record and ban A-Fraud for life?
Or is he "special" cuz he plays for the Yankees?
How many times did A-Fraud test positive for doping?
Four times
A-Fraud been doping all his life as baseball player.Why did he get off easy with just one year ban?
Can MLB now correct the record and ban A-Fraud for life?
Or is he "special" cuz he plays for the Yankees?
5
Steroids are not just performance enhancing drugs, like all drugs they can be addictive. Did anyone in Major League Baseball, the Player Union or the Met's organization try to determine if Mejia had a substance abuse problem and try to get him help?
14
"Poor judgment" ?!?!?! Now that's the height of understatement.
Oh my. How stupid can someone get?
1
Barry Bonds in the Hall of Fame? Never!
This is the only way to clean up MLB, and perhaps other sports monopolies as well.
When it hits the pocketbook, it all becomes very real for all the stakeholders.
When it hits the pocketbook, it all becomes very real for all the stakeholders.
He will be demonized, maybe should be, but what kind of desperation makes someone willing to go to these lengths?
6
Meanwhile and in other news, Barry Bonds inches closer to the Baseball Hall of Fame, aka, the Baseball Hall of PEDs Users.
1
Since this is a notable first in baseball, put him in the Hall of Fame immediately.
1
Best response of the day! Thanks for the laugh -- and the common sense.
MLB are a bunch of utter hypocrites. Suspend Mejia for life and let A-Roid walk. Seriously? Guess Mejia didn't have the legal team that Alex did (or pay off the right execs - thanks for the memories Bud).
5
What is it they say about three strikes in baseball?
A CBS/NEWS REPORTED ON SPORTS POPULARITY: THE RESULTS . . .
Football: 50%
Baseball: 12%
Ergo, the gladiators have usurped the pastoral game even though the former has been demonstrated to cause severe brain damage and suicide ideation as well as the actual act.
We seem to like to watch violence.
Football: 50%
Baseball: 12%
Ergo, the gladiators have usurped the pastoral game even though the former has been demonstrated to cause severe brain damage and suicide ideation as well as the actual act.
We seem to like to watch violence.
2
Whatever is his excuse this time?????
NFL, are you paying attention?
Sometimes being in the right place at the right time trumps intelligence.
Steve Howe must be thanking his baseball gods...
Steve Howe must be thanking his baseball gods...
Steve Howe is dead. From his abuse of drugs. I doubt that he is thanking his baseball gods.
I wonder if Mejia was an all star like Alex Rodriguez, would the MLB have taken it this far?
3
Strange that no liability is shared by the team. If a team is certain of escaping liability how can you expect it to encourage compliant behaviour from its aspirants?
2
Three strikes and you're out.
Poor return on investment here, Jenrry
2
This is good news for the Mets. They can move on now and replace him in the lineup and in the payroll. When he was hit up the second time it was worrisome. This closes the book.
8
A new major league record for Met reliever Jenrry Mejia --- put it in the books !
And isn't that what baseball is all about, after all ?!
And isn't that what baseball is all about, after all ?!
19
You have really turned into a person I cannot stand. I would have put you on my top 10 list of commenters until recently. Who are you. Reveal your real name.
I don't think verified commenters should be anonymous.
I don't think verified commenters should be anonymous.
8
"Lighten up, Francis".
15
You are acting like a troll. Your response is typical of a troll. Also you are among the first to comment on almost anything posted on the NYTimes.com. Being anonymous as well, I for one think it's wrong.
I post with my real name and my real picture, I have for years. You post with neither. What are you hiding from?
I post with my real name and my real picture, I have for years. You post with neither. What are you hiding from?
16
How do you spell "idiot"?
26
The real idiots are the ones who put up with this attitude repeatedly. When will it end? Fans must TAKE ACTION.
If MLB, NFL, NHL really wanted to make the sports completely drug-free,
they could easily implement biological passports to all athletes. They do have the money to do so. But they won't. I wonder why...
And people, even amateur bodybuilders can easily see if someone's on drug or not. And we have professional trainers, scouts, and athletes seeing their teammates suddenly gaining tons of muscle and their records skyrocketing all of a sudden, and you believe they didn't have any inkling on what was really going on? They are all in.
Sports in general, American or International, are one of the biggest scams in the modern era.